Houston Dynamo owner Philip Anschutz was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame today, in Oneonta, NY.
Members are inducted either as "Player" or "Builder", meaning those who have helped significantly in building soccer into a successful sport in America. Inducted as a Builder, Anschutz is only the fourth person in the Hall's history to be selected with that status, thus highlighting the importance of his contributions to the development of soccer in the United States. 1994 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee Chair Alan I. Rothenberg, and MLS owner/investor Lamar Hunt, are among those who have received the honor of being inducted to the Hall as Builders.
"It's been a tremendous privilege to be involved in the game for as long as I have. I am very proud of my involvement", said Anschutz.
Anschutz also received the highest honor awarded in US soccer, the National Soccer Medal of Honor. This medal is a rare distinction awarded by the Hall of Fame to those who have changed the course of the sport in America.
Widely regarded as one of the visionary pioneers of America's top professional league, Anschutz was a founding investor/operator in Major League Soccer and currently runs four of the league's teams: the Los Angeles Galaxy, D.C. United, the Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo. Anschutz has played a key role in the continual growth of MLS through the league's first decade.
As the owners of over a dozen sports franchises and multiple entertainment venues, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) has brought experience, insight and investment to MLS in a time when many others doubted the sport's prospects for success.
"He is a man whose vision, character and contributions have taken the game to a level where it can compete with other nations around the World", said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Dynamo President and General Manager Oliver Luck added: "We are proud to work for a man of such extraordinary vision and resolve. He epitomizes the success that after 11 years Major League Soccer has had and will undoubtedly acquire in the future."
Other inductees to the US Soccer Hall of Fame are former soccer great Al Trost, Los Angeles Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas, and women's national team legend Carla Overbeck.
